BIRDIE
' The golden era runway show'
Q&A With quincy elliott
Written by KENZIE BONEY
A vastly complex ambivert, with layers and layers of tasteful dexterities to uncover, Quincy Elliott/Midtrovert is, in essence, a being cultivated by perceptive vision’s in which light the torch to all of his ingenious endeavors. Whether that be garments purchased in downtown Los Angeles, California, or random pieces of fabric picked up around his house, every piece modeled and shown in The Golden Era Runway Show, that occurred on August 20th, exhibits sensational multiplicity in all its glory. Orchestrated creatively by Elliott himself, "The Golden Era" collection embodies the collaborative, inclusive element that exists to continuously flourish the 1990's nonconformist era—with just a hint of modernized fashion wear. Certain pieces within, including a brown suede dress modeled and worn by Jaida Harrell, are entirely avante-garde, showcasing Elliott's ability to turn even laundry into an eloquent masterpiece. A nostalgic collection of 90's fashion, with an arousing aroma of the blues, The Golden Era Runway Show fully embodies what it means to be a visionary in 2022, with Elliott’s process being quite simple: an idea sporadically electrocutes his brain, and thus, a new design is born—all from the comfort of his notes app.
Poster created by Quincy Elliott / Instagram @midtrovert
Q: tell us about The golden era runway show? how did this idea come into existence?
A: What started as an unrealistic idea in my notes app in 2016 slowly came to fruition overtime 6 years later. Living in Temecula as a creative, when I first moved here in 2013, was similar to going to a concert with a genre of music you’ve never heard before. And it didn’t take too long to realize that environment is everything.
There was no ‘culture’ for artists locally. It was a very un-inclusive environment, so as I began to develop my brand, Midtrovert, I started thinking of ways to gain traction as a designer. I referred back to my notes app then began asking questions and filling in the blanks. Models, venue, clothes, marketing, innovation and originality. Everything I needed to have in order to create my own runway show.
Execution, will-power, and consistency were all qualities my parents instilled in me prior to moving to Temecula so everything following became second nature. I never really had a doubt in my mind I’d be great, the hardest part was simply proving it to everyone else. Fast forward 6 long years of development– I’m finally becoming the change my younger self wanted to see.
Q: why is your collection called "the golden era"? is there any specific reasoning behind the phrase? how does it relate to your attraction towards 1990's fashion?
A: I titled my collection "The Golden Era" to reference what I felt was the best time for art, culture and entertainment in the 90's, then coupled it with the concept of every look possessing some sort of gold in them. Whether its the gridlines on the Midtrovert socks, varying accessories, or entire garments, I made sure every look had something that tied back into the theme. The 1990's fashion culture was all about expression and telling people who you were through the garments you wear. I really just wanted to bring the same level of expression into present day.
Photos provided by Quincy Elliott / Instagram @midtrovert
Q: your designs exhibited during the show were inspired by the 90's, walk us through your creative process.
A: My creative process is almost non-existent. I rarely sit down to sketch out designs. It feels forced. I find more success in applying an idea to my subconscious then having it return with a completed concept.
Ideas usually hit me like a vision from "That's So Raven" then I draw them out to the best of my ability until I’m able to bring the garment to life.
Video provided by Quincy Elliott / Instagram @midtrovert
Q: was there a specific designer and/or individual who influenced your design choices? what led you to pick the specific pieces modeled during the show?
A: A few of my favorite designers are Martin Margiela, Alexander McQueen, and Karl Lagerfeld. Virgil Abloh showed me anything was possible.
For the most part I was detoxing from mainstream fashion when designing "The Golden Era" collection. I didn’t want to subconsciously design something I saw in an editorial I liked; especially while I was still developing my design language.
Most of the designs in the collection are direct references from the 90's era of fashion or ‘samples’ where I’d take a specific print, silhouette, or cut and modernize it. The dresses were draped on dress forms, by me, then finalized with a seamstress. Everything was cut and sewn and if you pay attention close enough you’ll notice we designed almost every look down to the footwear.
Q: what is your ultimate goal in the world of fashion? what do you wish to accomplish and where do you hope to see yourself in the next few years?
A: My goal in the world of fashion is to be a Creative Director at Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci etc. I want to go on a Kim Jones/Marc Jacobs run of head designer at all the biggest fashion houses in the world and everything in between.
My 2 year plan is to continue to do what I’ve already been doing. Annual runway shows, model castings, how to design a garment from scratch workshops and much more. In due time, the right person will present me with the right opportunity to set my career off but until then I’m completely satisfied with simply inspiring my community.
Photo by Quincy Elliott / Instagram @midtrovert
Photo by Quincy Elliott / Instagram @midtrovert
Q: lastly, how has the golden era runway show allowed you to move forward as a designer? what opportunities has it granted you? we know that you recently held casting calls for an upcoming runway show, tell us more about that.
A: The biggest take away I received from The Golden Era Runway Show was insight. If anything, it was an example that everything I put my mind to can be achieved. No more doubt, as if there was any, and no more questioning my path.
Spanning from a bit before the runway show to present day I’ve been invited to Paris to be mentored for fashion design, called to be a creative director for various brands, and work with modeling agencies to cast their models in my future shows.
My 2023 Runway Model Casting Call was an opportunity for anyone to walk in my next show. No height requirements, age limits, or experience needed. My runway shows are very decentralized so I’m always looking for undiscovered talent to bring exposure to and put on a platform. The judges and I were also looking for creatives in general. Ones who were interested in collaborating not limited to: musicians, designers, dancers and everything in between.
In order to quickly become more familiar with the models, I had them complete a form that they brought to the casting. The casting forms detailed their life aspirations and why they were interested in walking in my next show or collaborating with me.
